Dr. Ganesh Natarajan: The Serial Entrepreneur Who is Redefining Business Success by balancing AI with Human Intelligence and building Dual Intelligence Solutions

Every groundbreaking idea begins with a question — What if there’s another way to solve this? And those who come up with the answers are the “entrepreneurs.” They are the ones who carve a path where all others encounter are roadblocks, see opportunities amid chaos and have the grit to turn those into realities. But in a world increasingly influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, the question now is — How can we balance the intelligence of machines with the wisdom of human minds?

For Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, this isn’t just a question but his mission. He recognised that the true potential of AI relies on human intelligence and set out to create a unique model where technology and humans work hand in hand. He and his wife Dr Uma Ganesh co-founded GTT in 2011. With over a decade of pioneering work in the field of Human Intelligence, Dr. Natarajan has partnered with Private Equity provider SMCV and built out a new Dual Intelligence capability company for Indian and global clients. Recently listed on the BSE as GTT Data Solutions Limited, the company is transforming how organisations approach AI and Data Management. With a mission to bring dual intelligence consulting, software, and skills solutions to the world, GTT is targeting to become a global leader in Dual Intelligence by 2030.

A Journey from Intrapreneur to Entrepreneurship

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur is marked by a combination of academic excellence and leadership in the corporate world. His Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from IIM Mumbai, a PhD from IIT Bombay, and Advanced Management from Harvard Business School have all built the foundation for his entrepreneurial success. He has received several accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from BIT Mesra, IIT Bombay, and IIM Mumbai, as well as recognition from EY and the Asia Pacific HR Forum for his excellence in technology entrepreneurship and people-centric leadership.

Before founding GTT, Dr. Natarajan completed two successful CEO tenures of over twenty-five years at APTECH and Zensar Technologies. His innovative leadership became the subject of two case studies written and taught by Harvard Business School, focusing on his success through Vision Communities and Innovation. Dr. Natarajan has also served as Chairman of NASSCOM and the NASSCOM Foundation and held key roles in the Confederation of Indian Industry and the All India Management Association. He has been the president of the HBS Club of India, a charter member of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), and a co-chair of the Sustainability & Social Special Interest Group of TiE Global. Dr. Natarajan is also a well-regarded author and speaker, having written fourteen books and having a regular presence at national and international forums. His primary interests are in Digital Success, Dual Intelligence of Humans & AI and Leadership in the corporate and social sector.

The Tale of Inception

In partnership with Dr. Uma Ganesh, a seasoned leader with a successful track record at Zee Telefilms, NIIT, and APTECH, Dr. Natarajan established GTT with venture capital backing from Helion Ventures, Intel Capital, and later CISCO Ventures. He recalls, “The original inspiration for GTT was to offer ready-to-deploy, well-trained resources for large organisations.” This vision evolved further in 2024 when Dr. Natarajan led GTT to a strategic partnership with SMCV Ventures, acquiring a stake in a listed entity and bringing together boutique training and software firms to create GTT Data Solutions, a company now listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

“With the rapid evolution in technology, our focus shifted towards new areas like data, analytics, and AI while centring on the human intelligence aspect. This focus has allowed us to build a unique position of leadership in Dual Intelligence,” shares Dr. Natarajan.

GTT Data Solutions Limited: A Leader in Dual Intelligence

As Artificial Intelligence takes the world by storm, GTT Data Solutions Limited emerges as a category creator in the field of Dual Intelligence. The company believes that the winners of the future will be those who combine human intelligence with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create greater value for their customers. “We broadly compete with players offering Master Data Management, Analytics, AI, and Machine Learning solutions. But we are different because we always keep the ‘human in the loop,’” says Dr Natarajan.

With the twelve-year training legacy of GTT Pvt Ltd, which has served over two million students and corporate clients, the company offers the right mix of skilled manpower and cutting-edge software and business solutions. This combination sets GTT apart, both in India and globally, as they continue to implement Dual Intelligence across industries. The company’s core products include Data Management, Presentation & Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence. GTT also provides deployable, well-trained manpower to organisations, assisting them in inducting freshers and enhancing the skills of their executives and management.

Guided by core values of customer delight, service innovation, and a commitment to people, GTT has served over 100 marquee clients, including global names like Cognizant and Cap Gemini. With offices across India, the UK, Singapore, and Europe, the company is well-poised to continue its leadership in Dual Intelligence, aiming to be a global market leader by 2030.

The GTT Advantage

Market trends consistently shape GTT’s strategy. “We have always read the market well and established opportunity share rather than just market share for our offerings,” shares Dr. Natarajan. The need of the hour for all organisations is to prepare for the rise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). “We work with our clients to understand their unique challenges and opportunities and tailor our Dual Intelligence solutions to meet expectations in their unique client context,” adds Dr. Natarajan.

The company’s edge lies in its exceptional leadership, skilled professionals, and a consulting-driven mindset to tackle complex client problems effectively. After succeeding in Hire-Train-Deploy solutions and Data Management, GTT is now refining traditional services while building unique Dual Intelligence solutions to empower businesses in an AI-driven world.

Redefining Success

Success for Dr. Natarajan and GTT Data Solutions lies in building new pathways that drive transformation and innovation. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Natarajan shares, “The challenge is always that people look at a problem rather than looking at new pathways to build opportunity share. The success we have seen in APTECH, Zensar, and now GTT bears testimony to the focus on innovation and new value propositions.”

During his entire career journey, Dr. Natarajan has achieved numerous milestones. At APTECH, he transformed a small Mumbai-based computer education firm into a global leader listed on the Mumbai and London Stock Exchanges, with a presence in 42 countries and leadership in 24 countries, including China, by 2000. At Zensar, he steered the company from $40 million in revenue in 2001 to over $350 million by 2015. Dr. Natarajan was appointed as the board chairman of Honeywell Automation, 5F World, EPPS and Lighthouse Communities Foundation. Today, he continues this legacy of innovation with GTT Data Solutions.

Adapting to market dynamics has been a cornerstone of GTT’s success. “We have morphed from Education to Training to a full-service Dual Intelligence solutions company in line with changing market needs,” says Dr. Natarajan. “And we look forward to continuing the success journey.”

What Lies Ahead for GTT

Technological advancements like the rise of analytics and AI, along with the growing demand for Just-in-Time Software and Training solutions, have significantly impacted GTT Data Solutions’ operations and services.

One significant project GTT is currently working on is extending its expertise to the social sector through impactful initiatives by the GTT Foundation and Lighthouse Communities Foundation. “We are taking the same solutions that worked for the corporate sector and making it work for millions of beneficiaries,” shares Dr. Natarajan. “We are using the best technology and people to ensure success.”

In the next five years, GTT aims to achieve and sustain leadership in dual intelligence and become the partner of choice for Indian and global corporations that are embracing AI in a sensible manner.

Leadership Mantra

Dr. Natarajan views mentorship as important but believes self-confidence is key in entrepreneurship. “I have no single mentor but have learnt from luminaries like Mr. KK Nohria, Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, and Mr. Narayana Murthy. Mentors are important but cannot replace self-confidence,” he says.

His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Focus on a unique product or service, build product-market fit, and then work hard to have the right business model and team to service your chosen customers.”